8-speed transmissions

ABSTRACT

The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power transmission having three planetary gear sets that are controlled by six torque-transmitting devices to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Passenger vehicles include a powertrain that is comprised of an engine, multi-speed transmission, and a differential or final drive. The multi-speed transmission increases the overall operating range of the vehicle by permitting the engine to operate through its torque range a number of times. The number of forward speed ratios that are available in the transmission determines the number of times the engine torque range is repeated. Early automatic transmissions had two speed ranges. This severely limited the overall speed range of the vehicle and therefore required a relatively large engine that could produce a wide speed and torque range. This resulted in the engine operating at a specific fuel consumption point during cruising, other than the most efficient point. Therefore, manually-shifted (countershaft transmissions) were the most popular.

With the advent of three- and four-speed automatic transmissions, the automatic shifting (planetary gear) transmission increased in popularity with the motoring public. These transmissions improved the operating performance and fuel economy of the vehicle. The increased number of speed ratios reduces the step size between ratios and therefore improves the shift quality of the transmission by making the ratio interchanges substantially imperceptible to the operator under normal vehicle acceleration.

Six-speed transmissions offer several advantages over four- and five-speed transmissions, including improved vehicle acceleration and improved fuel economy. While many trucks employ power transmissions having six or more forward speed ratios, passenger cars are still manufactured with three- and four-speed automatic transmissions and relatively few five or six-speed devices due to the size and complexity of these transmissions.

Seven-, eight- and nine-speed transmissions provide further improvements in acceleration and fuel economy over six-speed transmissions. However, like the six-speed transmissions discussed above, the development of seven-, eight- and nine-speed transmissions has been precluded because of complexity, size and cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved transmission having three planetary gear sets controlled to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

The transmission family of the present invention has three planetary gear sets, each of which includes a first, second and third member, which members may comprise a sun gear, a ring gear, or a planet carrier assembly member, in any order.

In referring to the first, second and third gear sets in this description and in the claims, these sets may be counted “first” to “third” in any order in the drawing (i.e., left to right, right to left, etc.). Additionally, the first, second or third members of each gear set may be counted “first” to “third” in any order in the drawing (i.e., top to bottom, bottom to top, etc.) for each gear set.

Each carrier member can be either a single-pinion carrier member (simple) or a double-pinion carrier member (compound). Embodiments with long pinions are also possible.

An interconnecting member continuously connects the third member of the first planetary gear set with the third member of the second planetary gear set.

The first member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected to a stationary member (transmission housing/casing). The input member is continuously connected with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The output member is continuously connected with the third member of the third planetary gear set.

A first torque-transmitting device, such a brake, selectively connects the second member of the third planetary gear set with a stationary member (transmission housing/casing).

A second torque-transmitting device, such as a clutch, selectively connects the second member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the second planetary gear set. Alternatively, a second torque-transmitting device, such as a brake, selectively connects the second member of the second planetary gear set with a stationary member (transmission housing/casing).

A third torque-transmitting device, such as a clutch, selectively connects the second member of the first planetary gear set with the first or second member of the third planetary gear set.

A fourth torque-transmitting device, such as a clutch, selectively connects the third member of the first planetary gear set with the first member of the third planetary gear set.

A fifth torque-transmitting device, such as a clutch, selectively connects the first member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set.

A sixth torque-transmitting device, such as a clutch, selectively connects the second member of the second planetary gear set with the first or second member of the third planetary gear set.

The six torque-transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of three to yield eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

A variety of speed ratios and ratio spreads can be realized by suitably selecting the tooth ratios of the planetary gear sets.

The above features and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 a is a schematic representation of a powertrain including a planetary transmission in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a truth table and chart depicting some of the operating characteristics of the powertrain shown in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a schematic representation of the powertrain of FIG. 1 a depicted in lever diagram form;

FIG. 2 a is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a powertrain including a planetary transmission in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 b is a truth table and chart depicting some of the operating characteristics of the powertrain shown in FIG. 2 a; and

FIG. 2 c is a schematic representation of the powertrain of FIG. 2 a depicted in lever diagram form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a a powertrain 10 having a conventional engine and torque converter 12, a planetary transmission 14, and a conventional final drive mechanism 16. The engine 12 may be powered using various types of fuel to improve the efficiency and fuel economy of a particular application. Such fuels may include, for example, gasoline; diesel; ethanol; dimethyl ether; etc.

The planetary transmission 14 includes an input member 17 continuously connected with the engine 12, a planetary gear arrangement 18, and an output member 19 continuously connected with the final drive mechanism 16. The planetary gear arrangement 18 includes three planetary gear sets 20, 30 and 40.

The planetary gear set 20 includes a sun gear member 22, a ring gear member 24, and a planet carrier assembly member 26. The planet carrier assembly member 26 includes a plurality of pinion gears 27, 28 rotatably mounted on a carrier member 29. The pinion gears 27 disposed in meshing relationship with the sun gear member 22, and the pinion gears 28 are disposed in meshing relationship with both the ring gear member 24 and the respective pinion gear 27.

The planetary gear set 30 includes a sun gear member 32, a ring gear member 34, and a planet carrier assembly member 36. The planet carrier assembly member 36 includes a plurality of pinion gears 37 rotatably mounted on a carrier member 39 and disposed in meshing relationship with both the ring gear member 34 and the sun gear member 32.

The planetary gear set 40 includes a sun gear member 42, a ring gear member 44, and a planet carrier assembly member 46. The planet carrier assembly member 46 includes a plurality of pinion gears 47 mounted on a carrier member 49 and disposed in meshing relationship with both the ring gear member 44 and the sun gear member 42.

The planetary gear arrangement also includes six torque-transmitting devices 50, 52, 54, 55, 56 and 57. The torque-transmitting device 50 is a stationary-type torque-transmitting device, commonly termed brake or reaction clutch. The torque-transmitting devices 52, 54, 55, 56 and 57 are rotating-type torque-transmitting devices, commonly termed clutches.

The input member 17 is continuously connected with the sun gear member 32 of the planetary gear set 30. The output member 19 is continuously connected with the ring gear member 44 of the planetary gear set 40. The sun gear member 22 of the planetary gear set 20 is continuously connected with the transmission housing 60.

An interconnecting member 70 continuously connects the ring gear member 24 of the planetary gear set 20 with the ring gear member 34 of the planetary gear set 30.

A first torque-transmitting device, such as brake 50, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 46 of the planetary gear set 40 with the transmission housing 60. A second torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 52, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 26 of the planetary gear set 20 with the sun gear member 32 of the planetary gear set 30. A third torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 54, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 26 of the planetary gear set 20 with the sun gear member 42 of the planetary gear set 40. A fourth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 55, selectively connects the ring gear member 24 of the planetary gear set 20 with the sun gear member 42 of the planetary gear set 40. A fifth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 56, selectively connects the sun gear member 32 of the planetary gear set 30 with the planet carrier assembly member 46 of the planetary gear set 40. A sixth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 57, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 36 of the planetary gear set 30 with the planet carrier assembly member 46 of the planetary gear set 40.

As shown in FIG. 1 b, and in particular the truth table disclosed therein, the torque-transmitting devices are selectively engaged in combinations of three to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio all with single transition shifts with a double overdrive.

As set forth above, the engagement schedule for the torque-transmitting devices is shown in the truth table of FIG. 1 b. The chart of FIG. 1 b describes the ratio steps that are attained in the above described transmission. For example, the step ratio between the first and second forward speed ratios is 1.59, while the step ratio between the reverse speed ratio and first forward ratio is −0.66.

Referring to FIG. 1 c, the embodiment of powertrain 10 depicted in FIG. 1 a is illustrated in a lever diagram format.

The powertrain 10 includes an input member 17, an output member 19, a first planetary gear set 20A having three nodes: a first node 22A, a second node 26A and a third node 24A; a second planetary gear set 30A having three nodes: a first node 32A, a second node 36A and a third node 34A; a third planetary gear set 40A having three nodes: a first node 42A, a second node 46A and a third node 44A.

The input member 17 is continuously connected with the node 32A. The output member 19 is continuously connected with the node 44A. The node 22A is continuously connected with the transmission housing 60.

The node 24A is continuously connected with the node 34A via interconnecting member 70.

A first torque-transmitting device, such as brake 50 engages the node 46A with the transmission housing 60. A second torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 52, engages the node 26A with the node 32A. A third torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 54, engages the node 26A with the node 42A. A fourth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 55, engages the nodes 24A and 34A via interconnecting member 70 with the node 42A. A fifth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 56, engages the node 32A with the node 46A. A sixth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 57, engages the node 36A with the node 46A.

To establish ratios, three torque-transmitting devices are engaged for each gear state. The engaged torque-transmitting devices are represented by an “X” in each respective row of FIG. 1 b. For example, to establish reverse gear, the brake 50 and clutches 52 and 55 are engaged. The brake 50 engages the node 46A with the transmission housing 60. The clutch 52 engages the node 26A with the node 32A. The clutch 55 engages the nodes 24A and 34A with the node 42A. Likewise, the eight forward ratios are achieved through different combinations of clutch engagement as per FIG. 1 c.

The powertrain 10 (or 110 to be described later) may share components with a hybrid vehicle, and such a combination may be operable in a “charge-depleting mode”. For purposes of the present invention, a “charge-depleting mode” is a mode wherein the vehicle is powered primarily by an electric motor/generator such that a battery is depleted or nearly depleted when the vehicle reaches its destination. In other words, during the charge-depleting mode, the engine 12 is only operated to the extent necessary to ensure that the battery is not depleted before the destination is reached. A conventional hybrid vehicle operates in a “charge-sustaining mode”, wherein if the battery charge level drops below a predetermined level (e.g., 25%) the engine is automatically run to recharge the battery. Therefore, by operating in a charge-depleting mode, the hybrid vehicle can conserve some or all of the fuel that would otherwise be expended to maintain the 25% battery charge level in a conventional hybrid vehicle. It should be appreciated that a hybrid vehicle powertrain is preferably only operated in the charge-depleting mode if the battery can be recharged after the destination is reached by plugging it into an energy source.

Description of a Second Exemplary Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 2 a, a powertrain 110 is shown, including a conventional engine and torque converter 12 connected to another embodiment of the planetary transmission, designated generally by the numeral 114, and a conventional final drive mechanism 16.

The planetary transmission 114 includes an input member 17 continuously connected with the engine 112, a planetary gear arrangement 118, and an output member 19 continuously connected with the final drive mechanism 16. The planetary gear arrangement 118 includes three planetary gear sets 120, 130 and 140.

The planetary gear set 120 includes a sun gear member 122, a ring gear member 124, and a planet carrier assembly member 126. The planet carrier assembly member 126 includes a plurality of pinion gears 127 rotatably mounted on a carrier member 129 and disposed in meshing relationship with both the sun gear member 122 and the ring gear member 124.

The planetary gear set 130 includes a sun gear member 132, a ring gear member 134, and a planet carrier assembly member 136. The planet carrier assembly member 136 includes a plurality of pinion gears 137, 138 rotatably mounted on a carrier member 139. The pinion gears 137 are disposed in meshing relationship with the sun gear member 132, and the pinion gears 138 are disposed in meshing relationship with both the ring gear member 134 and the respective pinion gear 137.

The planetary gear set 140 includes a sun gear member 142, a ring gear member 144, and a planet carrier assembly member 146. The planet carrier assembly member 146 includes a plurality of pinion gears 147 mounted on a carrier member 149 and disposed in meshing relationship with both the ring gear member 144 and the sun gear member 142.

The input member 17 is continuously connected with the sun gear member 132 of the planetary gear set 130. The output member 19 is continuously connected with the ring gear member 144 of the planetary gear set 140. The sun gear member 122 of the planetary gear set 120 is continuously connected with the transmission housing 160.

An interconnecting member 170 continuously connects the ring gear member 124 of the planetary gear set 120 with the ring gear member 134 of the planetary gear set 130.

The planetary gear arrangement also includes six torque-transmitting devices 150, 152, 154, 155, 156 and 157. The torque-transmitting devices 150 and 152 are stationary-type torque-transmitting devices, commonly termed brakes or reaction clutches. The torque-transmitting devices 154, 155, 156 and 157 are rotating-type torque-transmitting devices, commonly termed clutches.

A first torque-transmitting device, such as brake 150, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 146 with the transmission housing 160. A second torque-transmitting device, such as brake 152, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 136 with the transmission housing 160. A third torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 154, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 126 with the planet carrier assembly member 146. A fourth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 155, selectively connects the ring gear member 124 with the sun gear member 142. A fifth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 156, selectively connects the sun gear member 132 with the planet carrier assembly member 146. A sixth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 157, selectively connects the planet carrier assembly member 136 with the sun gear member 142.

As set forth above, the engagement schedule for the torque-transmitting devices is shown in the truth table of FIG. 2 b to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. As shown and described above for the configuration in FIG. 1 a, those skilled in the art will understand from the respective truth tables how the speed ratios are established through the planetary gear sets identified in the written description. The chart of FIG. 2 b describes the gear ratios and ratio steps that are attained in the above described transmission. For example, the step ratio between the first and second forward speed ratios is 1.34, while the step ratio between the reverse speed ratio and first forward ratio is −0.45.

Referring to FIG. 2 c, the embodiment of powertrain 110 depicted in FIG. 2 a is illustrated in a lever diagram format.

The powertrain 110 includes an input member 17, an output member 19, a first planetary gear set 120A having three nodes: a first node 122A, a second node 126A and a third node 124A; a second planetary gear set 130A having three nodes: a first node 132A, a second node 136A and a third node 134A; a third planetary gear set 140A having three nodes: a first node 142A, a second node 146A and a third node 144A.

The input member 17 is continuously connected with the node 132A. The output member 19 is continuously connected with the node 144A. The node 122A is continuously connected with the transmission housing 160.

The node 124A is continuously connected with the node 134A via interconnecting member 170.

A first torque-transmitting device, such as brake 150, engages the node 146A with the transmission housing 160. A second torque-transmitting device, such as brake 152, engages the nodes 136A and 122A with the transmission housing 160. A third torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 154, engages the node 126A with the node 146A. A fourth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 155, engages the nodes 124A and 134A with the node 142A. A fifth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 156, engages the node 132A with the node 146A. A sixth torque-transmitting device, such as clutch 157, engages the node 136A with the node 142A.

To establish ratios, three torque-transmitting devices are engaged for each gear state. The engaged torque-transmitting devices are represented by an “X” in each respective row. For example, to establish reverse gear, the brake 150 and clutches 155 and 157 are engaged. The brake 150 engages the node 146A with the transmission housing 160. The clutch 155 engages the nodes 124A and 134A with the node 142A. The clutch 157 engages the node 136A with the node 142A. Likewise, the eight forward ratios are achieved through different combinations of clutch engagement as per FIG. 2 c.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members; wherein the members of the respective first, second and third planetary gear sets include respective ring gear members; an interconnecting member continuously connecting said ring gear member of said first planetary gear set with said ring gear member of said second planetary gear set; said first member of said first planetary gear set being continuously connected with a stationary member; six torque-transmitting devices for selectively interconnecting said members of said planetary gear sets with said stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said six torque-transmitting devices being engaged in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input member and said output member; wherein at least one of the members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets is selectively connected with said stationary member; wherein a first of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said third planetary gear set with said stationary member; wherein a second of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set or selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said stationary member; wherein a third of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set; and wherein a fourth of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set.
 2. The transmission of claim 1, wherein a fifth of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said first member of said second planetary gear set with said second member of said third planetary gear set.
 3. The transmission of claim 2, wherein a sixth of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set.
 4. The transmission of claim 1, wherein said first and second members of said first, second and third planetary gear sets comprise a sun gear member and a planet carrier assembly member, respectively; and wherein the respective ring gear members of the respective first, second and third planetary gear sets are the third members of the respective first, second and third planetary gear sets.
 5. The transmission of claim 1, wherein said input member is continuously connected with said first member of said second planetary gear set; and said output member is continuously connected with said third member of said third planetary gear set.
 6. A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members; said input member being continuously connected with said first member of said second planetary gear set; said output member being continuously connected with said third member of said third planetary gear set; an interconnecting member continuously connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said third member of said second planetary gear set; said first member of said first planetary gear set being continuously connected with a stationary member; a first torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said second member of said third planetary gear set with said stationary member; a second torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set, or selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said stationary member; a third torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set; a fourth torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set; a fifth torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said first member of said second planetary gear set with said second member of said third planetary gear set; a sixth torque-transmitting device selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set; said six torque-transmitting devices being engaged in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input member and said output member.
 7. The transmission of claim 6, wherein said first, second and third members of said first, second and third planetary gear sets comprise a sun gear member, a planet carrier assembly member and a ring gear member, respectively.
 8. A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input member; an output member; first, second and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members; an interconnecting member continuously connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said third member of said second planetary gear set; said first member of said first planetary gear set being continuously connected with a stationary member; six torque-transmitting devices for selectively interconnecting said members of said planetary gear sets with said stationary member or with other members of said planetary gear sets, said six torque-transmitting devices being engaged in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between said input member and said output member; a first of said six torque-transmitting devices being operable for selectively connecting said second member of said third planetary gear set with said stationary member; a second of said six torque-transmitting devices being operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said second planetary gear set or selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said stationary member; a third of said six torque-transmitting devices being operable for selectively connecting said second member of said first planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set; a fourth of said six torque-transmitting devices being operable for selectively connecting said third member of said first planetary gear set with said first member of said third planetary gear set; and a fifth of said six torque-transmitting devices being operable for selectively connecting said first member of said second planetary gear set with said second member of said third planetary gear set.
 9. The transmission of claim 8, wherein a sixth of said six torque-transmitting devices is operable for selectively connecting said second member of said second planetary gear set with said first or second member of said third planetary gear set. 